The Religious Affairs Ministry is considering a policy which would rebalance provision of haj travel services in favor of more participation for private travel agents and a lighter burden on the government in managing pilgrimages.
Religious Affairs Minister Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni said Tuesday, however, the increase in the quota of premium haj seats -- which are handled privately -- would depend on whether travel agents could improve their services.
"We will raise the quota for ONH Plus seats to whatever proportion travel agents may demand, as long as they can provide better services," Maftuh said after a cabinet meeting at the State Palace.
Outside the haj premium service, known as ONH Plus, haj management services are monopolized by the ministry.
Out of a total 210,000 seats, last year the government set the quota for ONH Plus seats at 16,301 seats, divided among some 60 t...